Top Gun Movies: Release Order

The Top Gun franchise follows the legendary Navy pilot Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell through his career at the elite Fighter Weapons School. The 1986 original became a cultural phenomenon with its thrilling aerial sequences, iconic soundtrack, and portrayal of cocky fighter pilots pushing their limits, making it one of the most influential military action films of all time.

This watch list presents both films in release order, which matches the chronological timeline. The long-awaited 2022 sequel picks up thirty-six years later, with Maverick returning to Top Gun as an instructor to train a new generation of pilots, including the son of his late best friend. The phenomenal sequel was met with even greater critical acclaim than the original.